We offer private Shirakawago & Gujohachiman day trip from Kyoto/Osaka for small groups. (up to 6guests)

Gifu Hashima station

Do you like to visit the world heritage  Shirakawago and Gujohachiman from Osaka or Kyoto in one day? If you use bullet train (Shinkansen) from Osaka/Kyoto, it is possible. We provide you a private guided trip for you. If you are interested in visiting Shirakawago and Gujohachiman in a day, please contact us.

Shirakawago Observatory

We provide private vehicle & English-speaking guide.

Toyota Estima

Middle Seat (Child seat available)

Rear Seat

A route from Osaka/Kyoto to Gujohachiman and Shirakawago is taking Shinkansen bullet train from Shin-Osaka or Kyoto Station to Gifu-Hashima Station, and then take a 9-hour Gujohachiman  and Shirakawago tour by a mini van(Toyota Estima). This plan is recommended for a group of  2-6 pax. Shinkansen return ticket fare from Osaka is about 11.800 yen, from Kyoto about 10.480 yen. (adult, low season price) for a reserved seat. Please note that Shinkansen Nozomi does not stop at Gifu-Hasima Station. So, you have to choose Hikari or Kodama. If you have JR Pass, you can take Hikari/Kodama without a charge.

Our car (Toyota Estima) has a capacity of up to 6 guests. If you are 4 or less, you can sit comfortably. If there are five or six of you, it is a bit cramped since three people sit in a row. We prepare child safety seats if you are with children. If your group is 7 or larger, then we find a larger car with a professional driver. Please inquire.

[Itinerary]

Suggested train Kodama 708
Shin-Osaka Station(7:54) == Kyoto Station(8:10) == Gifu-Hashima Station(8:46) 

09:00             Meet with our guide at Gifu-Hashima station.
10:00-11:15   Stroll in Gujohachiman town. Enjoy historical area and beautiful scenery.
11:15-12:15    Take lunch on your own (Lunch arrange available)
13:45-15:45    Visit the world heritage Shirakawago village.
18:00               Arrive at Gifu-Hashima station
Go back to Osaka/Kyoto by Shinkansen

Suggested train Hikari651
Gifu-Hashima Station(18:35) == Kyoto Station(19:12) == Shin-Osaka Station(19:27) 


Price of the tour is fixed at 105,000 yen (using Toyota Estima) including 2 English-speaking guides (take turns driving and guiding), fuel, highway tolls, parking fees, and tax.
Car and guide service start/terminate at Gifu-Hashima station.
Shinkansen fare, meals and entrance fees are NOT included, though it can be arranged according to your request.

If you need special arrangements, please ask us.

For the list of other Takayama & Shirakawago tours, please refer to here.

Availability and Seasonality
This tour is only available for one group per day. Some days this may not be carried out as the guides have other programs.
Please ask the availability first.
This tour is available from March through November. In winter we may operate if there is no snow on the road.
If you are interested in this tour, please contact us using the link below.

 

☛☛☛CHECK THE AVAILABILITY AND INQUIRY OF THIS TOUR☚☚☚

Introduction of Shirakawago

Shirakawago lies in the heart of Japan’s mountainous Gifu Prefecture. This village is famous for its traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses. These houses have steep thatched roofs designed to withstand heavy snowfall. Shirakawago is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It offers a glimpse into Japan’s rural past.

Historical Significance

The history of Shirakawa-go dates back over 250 years. The village’s unique architecture evolved from the need to survive harsh winters. The design of the gassho-zukuri houses allows snow to slide off easily, preventing damage. These houses also feature large attics used for silkworm cultivation, contributing to the local economy in the past.

What to See and Do

Visitors to Shirakawago can explore open-air museums and preserved houses. The most notable is the Wada House, the largest gassho-zukuri farmhouse in the village. Inside, you can see traditional furnishings and tools. In here, guests can feel Japanese traditional way of life.

Seasonal Beauty

Shirakawago is stunning year-round. In spring, cherry blossoms add a splash of color. Summer brings lush greenery. Fall covers the landscape in vibrant hues. Winter turns the village into a snowy wonderland. The illumination event in winter is particularly magical, drawing visitors from around the world.

Introduction of Gujohachiman

The town is well known for the "Gujo Odori" dance performance which continues for more than 30 days from July to the beginning of September. The "Tetsuya Odori" which lasts for four days during the Obon holidays in August is especially famous, the climax season of Gujohachiman.

Gujohachiman Castle
The castle looks over the castle town of Gujo from the hill top. The current wooden castle tower was reconstructed in 1933, and the origin of the entire castle dates back to around 800 years ago. It was approximately 400 years ago when the castle town, as we see today, was developed.

Gujo Hachiman Castle is located on a small hilltop, thus the way to the castle is just a perfect hiking route to enjoy. Once you reach the summit, the castle tower and the beautiful trees will welcome you. Each season of the year has a unique attractiveness. The cherry blossoms in spring, the green leaves in summer, colored leaves of the autumn and the winter snowy landscape. All are breathtaking. The green leaves in May and the autumn colored leaves in November are particularly notable.

Walking along the old town
Traditional old Japanese houses stand in the castle town, which is on the base of the castle. Walking around the city while dropping in at various shops is also a good idea.


Sougisui
It is a spring that symbolizes Gujohachiman, the town of water, and was selected as the top among the 100 Exquisite and Well Conserved Waters of Japan in 1985. The name Sougisui comes from the master of Renga poet, Iio Sougi, who lived during the last years of the Muromachi period (1336 to 1573). It is said that Sougi built a thatched hut along the spring and loved drinking the fresh water. Therefore, Sougisui has been preserved as an historical place as well as for the local people's water for daily living, and has been designated as both the municipal and provincial historical and cultural assets.

Sample Kobo ~ Experience making food samples
Gujo Hachiman is also famous for manufacture of food samples. Food samples are all handmade and is so delicate that it is hard to distinguish them from real food. Workshops to make food samples are available. Participate in one of them if you are interested in it.

These are food sample made from wax. Don't eat!!

 

Mode of payment

Payment can be made by online credit card payment system. We accept VISA/MASTER/JCB/AMEX. Customer may pay the part of amount as a deposit to secure the reservation. Basically customers are requested to pay all amount prior to the day of the tour.

Customize tour for you

Above itinerary and price are just an example. You can customize your tour for your particular needs and interests. You can stay overnight at an onsen (hot spa) ryokan(Japanese inn) in Takayama . Please tell us your needs and interests. We can provide you with a customized itinerary and quotation.

Operators of [Fun Trip Japan]
Fun Lead International Co., Ltd. (travel agency registered in Gifu Prefecture No.Gifu3-322)